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jbuck1975's review
4.0
It's that time of the year again when it's nice to relax with a novel in a Christmas setting. I admit that I will read Christmas books year round, but since so many are published and released around this time it is fun to look for new ones in bookstores and libraries. I found an anthology at the dollar store a few weeks ago that I bought knowing that it would appeal to me for fall/winter reading.
I enjoy Linda Lael Miller's stories. Her trilogy about three Creed brothers was published earlier this year and I enjoyed their stories. This current novel is set in 1910 and is about some of those Creed's ancestors who lived on the same ranch. This story reminded me of both the Mckettrick story line and some of her other novels.
Both Juliana and Lincoln are likable characters who do not employ tricks to win or deceive each other. They are straightforward and honest which was refreshing. Sometimes in romance novels the contrived issues used to keep the couple apart can be annoying, but each of their issues felt genuine and and plausible. Seeing the couple get to know each other and fall in love was perfect for a Christmas treat and it was an enjoyable and quick read for a busy time of year!
http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com/
I enjoy Linda Lael Miller's stories. Her trilogy about three Creed brothers was published earlier this year and I enjoyed their stories. This current novel is set in 1910 and is about some of those Creed's ancestors who lived on the same ranch. This story reminded me of both the Mckettrick story line and some of her other novels.
Both Juliana and Lincoln are likable characters who do not employ tricks to win or deceive each other. They are straightforward and honest which was refreshing. Sometimes in romance novels the contrived issues used to keep the couple apart can be annoying, but each of their issues felt genuine and and plausible. Seeing the couple get to know each other and fall in love was perfect for a Christmas treat and it was an enjoyable and quick read for a busy time of year!
http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com/
kairosdreaming's review
4.0
This is probably my favorite of Linda Lael Miller's books that I've read so far. You actually don't even have to read any of the others to appreciate this one although it does give background for them.
Lincoln Creed lives in the wilderness of Montana on his ranch with his young daughter. Desperate for someone to help raise her luck finds him when he encounters Juliana Mitchell at the local general store. Juliana is desperate; she had just been given news that there will be no funding to help the Indian school at which she teaches and she and her four pupils have no where to go. Lincoln opens up his home and with beautiful Juliana, he might possibly open up his heart too.
I like historical romances. I think they're more tender and express a different mind set than the modern ones. I find the characters better too although that might just be my opinion. Lincoln Creed was especially wonderful and I wouldn't have minded reading more about him. Juliana too, although a little too modern for the times, was a nice character and the author made her feel very caring without making it fake. The only fault I would find is that none of the children are really developed too much in the book which is sad because they play such a large part in it.
Since this is a romance there is of course some light sex in it. If that's not your thing, don't read it. But Miller has a nice easy writing style and her romances are easy to get caught up in. This one is especially gentle with no huge conflict, but enough little problems to make it realistic. It was a Christmas novel too which is always cheery because of the subject matter.
A nice job by Miller and definitely a book that will keep me interested in her writing. Off to find some more of those devilish Creed books...
A Creed Country Christmas
Copyright 2009
253 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
Lincoln Creed lives in the wilderness of Montana on his ranch with his young daughter. Desperate for someone to help raise her luck finds him when he encounters Juliana Mitchell at the local general store. Juliana is desperate; she had just been given news that there will be no funding to help the Indian school at which she teaches and she and her four pupils have no where to go. Lincoln opens up his home and with beautiful Juliana, he might possibly open up his heart too.
I like historical romances. I think they're more tender and express a different mind set than the modern ones. I find the characters better too although that might just be my opinion. Lincoln Creed was especially wonderful and I wouldn't have minded reading more about him. Juliana too, although a little too modern for the times, was a nice character and the author made her feel very caring without making it fake. The only fault I would find is that none of the children are really developed too much in the book which is sad because they play such a large part in it.
Since this is a romance there is of course some light sex in it. If that's not your thing, don't read it. But Miller has a nice easy writing style and her romances are easy to get caught up in. This one is especially gentle with no huge conflict, but enough little problems to make it realistic. It was a Christmas novel too which is always cheery because of the subject matter.
A nice job by Miller and definitely a book that will keep me interested in her writing. Off to find some more of those devilish Creed books...
A Creed Country Christmas
Copyright 2009
253 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
kairosdreaming's review against another edition
3.0
So you don't have to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one. Its a nice Christmas tale, even if it does have some weird elements to it. And it is pretty exciting for a Christmas romance.
Lizzie McKettrick is on her way home to her family. And she's bringing a special someone with her who she met in San Francisco. But on the way, their train is derailed by an avalanche. Her beau quickly proves he isn't the man she thought he was and her eye lights on the quiet doctor who's been traveling with them. He pulls it together and the small group of passengers struggles to survive until rescue. But they don't have much food with them and the snow is piled high making a rescue seem unlikely. And even if Lizzie does get home again, she's not sure what to do with her conflicting emotions.
Lizzie is an ok character. She seems pretty determined and can hold her own in an argument. I might even go as far as to say she's a strong female lead. Morgan on the other hand is a little too stoic, a little too quiet. He rushes in, takes over everything, yet still seems to be humble but he just doesn't read as believable. Whitley, the spineless one seems more of a real character to me. Not a particularly nice character, but believable nonetheless. And then there was the bird. I know it was supposed to be comic levity, but it was very odd to have a talkative bird character in the book.
The romance was very quick paced, as usual for Miller. The whole train thing was pretty exciting though and I like how she through some danger into the story. And I like that the characters still tried to keep the Christmas spirit as well. The only thing that really confused me on this book was the supernatural/spiritual element she threw in. I'm not sure why she decided to do this as it didn't really fit with the book. It wasn't written badly, it was just unusual. As this is a romance it alludes to some risque things, but theres nothing actually spelled out in this book.
An ok romance, a bit odd. At least it had the Christmas theme, which is appropriate for this season.
A McKettrick Christmas
Copyright 2008
280 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
More of my reviews can be found at ifithaswords.blogspot.com
Lizzie McKettrick is on her way home to her family. And she's bringing a special someone with her who she met in San Francisco. But on the way, their train is derailed by an avalanche. Her beau quickly proves he isn't the man she thought he was and her eye lights on the quiet doctor who's been traveling with them. He pulls it together and the small group of passengers struggles to survive until rescue. But they don't have much food with them and the snow is piled high making a rescue seem unlikely. And even if Lizzie does get home again, she's not sure what to do with her conflicting emotions.
Lizzie is an ok character. She seems pretty determined and can hold her own in an argument. I might even go as far as to say she's a strong female lead. Morgan on the other hand is a little too stoic, a little too quiet. He rushes in, takes over everything, yet still seems to be humble but he just doesn't read as believable. Whitley, the spineless one seems more of a real character to me. Not a particularly nice character, but believable nonetheless. And then there was the bird. I know it was supposed to be comic levity, but it was very odd to have a talkative bird character in the book.
The romance was very quick paced, as usual for Miller. The whole train thing was pretty exciting though and I like how she through some danger into the story. And I like that the characters still tried to keep the Christmas spirit as well. The only thing that really confused me on this book was the supernatural/spiritual element she threw in. I'm not sure why she decided to do this as it didn't really fit with the book. It wasn't written badly, it was just unusual. As this is a romance it alludes to some risque things, but theres nothing actually spelled out in this book.
An ok romance, a bit odd. At least it had the Christmas theme, which is appropriate for this season.
A McKettrick Christmas
Copyright 2008
280 pages
Review by M. Reynard 2011
More of my reviews can be found at ifithaswords.blogspot.com
rubyshila's review
2.0
I was BAMBOOZLED and SWINDLED into reading historical fiction, my arch nemesis. BAH.
jrho's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
loverofromance's review against another edition
4.0
Lizzie McKettrick, is traveling home from San Francisco with a prospective future fiancee, and planning on surprising her family with Whitley Carson. But then a avalanche strikes the train they are traveling on and they are stranded witha blizzard outside and not much hope of surviving with a likely chance of them on the edge (which could tip their car over), and another avalanche that could down upon them at any time. Dr Morgan Shane takes charge and Lizzie is drawn to him in a way that she has never been drawn to a man before. Despite their current dangerous circumstances surrounding them, their is a spark that flares between the two, and Lizzie knows in her heart he is the man she would want to spend her life with if they manage to survive.
My Thoughts
I have read most of the McKettrick series, and was delighted to read Lizzie's Story. The four previous books involving her father and her three uncles, are treats to read, as was A McKettrick Christmas. From the first sentecne I know I would enjoy reading, its definitely a heartwarmer for the Holidays. The characters were touching, and although a bit shorter than I would have liked when it comes to a McKettrick book (or any of Linda Lael Millers books) it was still a Christmas delight that will warm your heart.
My Thoughts
I have read most of the McKettrick series, and was delighted to read Lizzie's Story. The four previous books involving her father and her three uncles, are treats to read, as was A McKettrick Christmas. From the first sentecne I know I would enjoy reading, its definitely a heartwarmer for the Holidays. The characters were touching, and although a bit shorter than I would have liked when it comes to a McKettrick book (or any of Linda Lael Millers books) it was still a Christmas delight that will warm your heart.
loverofromance's review
4.0
Juliana Mitchell, a schoolteacher of an Indian school, and loves each of the children that she teaches. However because of her brother refusing to give her inheritance, she is unable to send some of the children, (which she could lose her job if she doesn't get them off) to their next destination. Then she meets Lincoln Creed who offers to take them in. Lincoln widowed and father to Gracie, who is in needs of a governess and more importantly a mother. So when Lincoln proposes to Juliana, she agrees when she starts to realize how much she is beginning to care for this rancher who is in need of love, and who also aches for him in her life.
My Thoughts
I have now read all books from the Creed series, but I just love each and every one of the Creeds so far, and Lincoln Creed is no different. Lincoln loved his previous wife deeply and suffers from the loss. But when he meets Juliana he is charmed, as is his daughter. Gracie is in need of a mother figure and that nurting he feels he could never provide for her. Lincoln also has been lonely for far too long and yearns for someone to come home to. A Creed Country Christmas is a classic holiday story, where there are two people more in needs of love and the healing Christmas season, than they truly realize. A tender Christmas story, one I will never forget.
My Thoughts
I have now read all books from the Creed series, but I just love each and every one of the Creeds so far, and Lincoln Creed is no different. Lincoln loved his previous wife deeply and suffers from the loss. But when he meets Juliana he is charmed, as is his daughter. Gracie is in need of a mother figure and that nurting he feels he could never provide for her. Lincoln also has been lonely for far too long and yearns for someone to come home to. A Creed Country Christmas is a classic holiday story, where there are two people more in needs of love and the healing Christmas season, than they truly realize. A tender Christmas story, one I will never forget.
loverofromance's review against another edition
4.0
Lizzie McKettrick, is traveling home from San Francisco with a prospective future fiancee, and planning on surprising her family with Whitley Carson. But then a avalanche strikes the train they are traveling on and they are stranded witha blizzard outside and not much hope of surviving with a likely chance of them on the edge (which could tip their car over), and another avalanche that could down upon them at any time. Dr Morgan Shane takes charge and Lizzie is drawn to him in a way that she has never been drawn to a man before. Despite their current dangerous circumstances surrounding them, their is a spark that flares between the two, and Lizzie knows in her heart he is the man she would want to spend her life with if they manage to survive.
My Thoughts
I have read most of the McKettrick series, and was delighted to read Lizzie's Story. The four previous books involving her father and her three uncles, are treats to read, as was A McKettrick Christmas. From the first sentecne I know I would enjoy reading, its definitely a heartwarmer for the Holidays. The characters were touching, and although a bit shorter than I would have liked when it comes to a McKettrick book (or any of Linda Lael Millers books) it was still a Christmas delight that will warm your heart.
My Thoughts
I have read most of the McKettrick series, and was delighted to read Lizzie's Story. The four previous books involving her father and her three uncles, are treats to read, as was A McKettrick Christmas. From the first sentecne I know I would enjoy reading, its definitely a heartwarmer for the Holidays. The characters were touching, and although a bit shorter than I would have liked when it comes to a McKettrick book (or any of Linda Lael Millers books) it was still a Christmas delight that will warm your heart.
saycheeze37's review
2.0
Wasn't that impressed. Story seemed a bit choppy and far fetched. I believe in strangers helping one another, but this story went a little too fast to quickly for me to find it believable. A rushed Christmas story with out of place love scenes. I did like the characters though.